Collaboration

ASSOCIATION "EUROPEAN NETWORK OF BUSINESS INCUBATORS AND INNOVATIVE CENTERS" (EBN)

ASSOCIATION "EUROPEAN NETWORK OF BUSINESS INCUBATORS AND INNOVATIVE CENTERS" (EBN, www.ebn.be)was set up by the European Commission in 1984 for coordination of activity of the European business incubators and innovative centers (business&innovation centers - BICs). In the EBN structure are already over 230 members from EU-countries, Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, as well as Asia. The main objective of EBN is assistance to foundation and development of innovation and business centers in European Union and outside.

The primary goals of EBN are the following:

lobbying and assistance to foundation of the innovative centers;

execution of European projects and foundation of thematic networks for development of innovations, transfers of new technologies on the markets, development of economy and business;
technical support of the innovative centers, business incubators, business support centers and quality control of their activities;
information assistance and experience exchange.

EBN carries out activity on the following basic directions:
organization and carrying out training courses and programs;
support and assistance to innovative organizations and enterprises in development of strategy, models and business plans;
technical support and consulting services for members of a network;
gathering and exchange with information and experience on participation in EU projects;
organization of regional and international seminars, conferences, forums, congresses;
development of cooperation effective mechanisms.

EBN promotes constant development and expansion of a network through attraction of its members to participation at joint pilot projects and programs of EU and offer of some services to enterprises and organizations interested in these projects.

Here is a part of the projects being realized by EBN:
Project DETECT-IT is directed on attraction to participation at the Sixth Framework Program of small- and medium-sized enterprises (www.detect-it.org);
GATE 2 GROWTH is a unique portal, which purpose is support of innovative business (www.gate2growth.com);
CROSS BORDER CONNECT (CBC) - the purpose of the project is strengthening co-operation between small- and medium-sized enterprises of neighbor countries.

The more detailed information on the projects realized by EBN you can find on http://www.ebn.be/content/main.asp?PageID=65&MenuGroup=1&MenuNum=12

Structure of EBN

In November, 2004 the Board of Directors of EBN has approved a nominee of the Technopark of BNTU "Metolit" on its entering into European Network of Business Incubators and Innovative Centers.

Due to this, our technopark expects to get new experience, which will allow us to organize the work more effectively.